Staff Spotlight: Mr. Gillis

5/7/2024 9:34 am

Our last Meet Mcknight of the year features one of our favorite people - Mr. Gillis! 

There are so many places you've seen Mr. Gillis - from PFA Meetings and assemblies to afterschool events and the bus line. Mr. Gillis is Dr. Shute's right-hand man and one of McKnights biggest cheerleaders. Whether while rolling out the "red carpet" for a class, dancing in the talent show, or playing in the Jump for the Hills basketball game Mr. Gillis is truly committed to keeping McKnight a great place for our kids! 

Let's learn more about Mr. Gillis! 

PFA: Tell us about your role at McKnight.

This is my second year as the assistant principal at McKnight, but I've been in the North Allegheny School District for nearly 15 years as a classroom teacher.

As the assistant principal, basically I help Dr. Shute keep the building running day-to-day! I spend a lot of my day working with teachers, students, and parents to ensure that McKnight is an awesome place to go to school!

PFA: Where do the students know you from? 

I would hope that the students know me from a little bit of everywhere! They see me during arrival and dismissal, especially during our Friday Morning Dance Party in the lobby! I love visiting classrooms and seeing all of the cool things they are learning and doing with their teachers!

PFA: What is your favorite part about working at McKnight? 

The people! From our incredible staff to our amazing students, and of course our wonderful families! McKnight is truly a place with a big heart! I have felt so welcomed by everyone since the moment I walked into the doors.

PFA: What is your favorite hobby?

After school, I really enjoy playing with my dog, Peanut, and just watching TV. I also enjoy traveling and seeing and experiencing the world around us! We got to visit the Georgia Aquarium recently and had a little behind-the-scenes adventure with sea lions one-on-one!

PFA: When I'm not at McKnight you can find me...

at home with Peanut, at a local restaurant, or gathered with family and friends.

PFA: What is one of your favorite quotes that we can share with the students? 

“Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.”
― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse